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The official newsletter of the British Horse Driving Trials Association |
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April 2003 on-line edition |
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The official newsletter of the British Horse Driving Trials Association |
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April 2003 on-line edition |
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The BHDTA AGM in May this year will mark the end of an era when George Bowman (right) retires from the Council after an outstanding 24 years’ service to the sport. George was elected to the committee of the original Combined Driving Group, which was initially run under the auspices of the British Driving Society before it became a discipline of the British Horse Society under the chairmanship of the late Bernard Mills. George has since been one of the most influential figures in shaping and encouraging the growth of competitive carriage driving over three decades. He has been Vice-Chairman of the governing body of the sport since it became The British Horse Trials Association in 1997. Serving on the Rules Committee, George has overseen the evolution of Horse Driving Trials and has endeavoured to keep the rules true to the original spirit of the sport. George has tried to avoid drastic rule changes while still enabling competition to develop and standards to improve.George’s feats and achievements as Britain’s most successful international horse teams competitor are well known and well documented, but he has also represented Great Britain on the FEI Driving Committee, serving under the chairmanship of Tjeerd Velstra, and has been a major figure in the development of the sport at international level. As a competitor and popular Council member, George has always supported our home events. While his rivals from other countries have travelled to events abroad at the expense of home competition, George has always been a champion of our home-grown National events and a great supporter of grassroots driving trials. Throughout his time on the BHDTA Council, George has been a great ambassador for the sport both at home and abroad and is rightly held in high esteem throughout the carriage driving world. George’s work as a Council member has been just one of the many hats he has worn, but he feels that the time has come to pass on the torch and encourage others to take the sport forward. However he will continue to be a competitor, judge and mentor to drivers everywhere and will always be a major influence in the sport of horse driving trials. We would all like to thank George for his hard work and dedication to the sport and his inspirational influence behind the scenes of Horse Driving Trials. AC National Coursebuilders’ Clinic by Tony Bache After two years of expertise from British course builders, this year’s Clinic was led by Arjan Brink from Holland, coursebuilder in Jerez for the World Equestrian Games last year. To start with, Philip Bateman went through the 2003 rule changes, then Arjan set us all a test. Back to school! The sting was taken out of it by our being allowed to use the Rule Book, but the expected standard was 100%. Thankfully the individual marks were never revealed! After an excellent lunch we split into two groups. One stayed in the lecture room to hear about Jerez, and to discuss course and obstacle design; the other split into three smaller groups, two designing marathon obstacles to suit two sites outside, and the third building an indoor type obstacle in the indoor arena. Half way through the afternoon we changed over. Each group was required to prepare a plan of their design, to a standard which would allow it to be printed in the programme for the event. All the groups failed in this part of the test although Arjan thought several of the designs were imaginative. At Jerez, Arjan had the rare situation of a completely blank canvas - no roads or tracks; not even any maps. So the first thing was to arrange for the Spanish Air Force to do an aerial survey from which plans could be prepared. He then had to site his obstacles and decide what tracks were required to get from one to the other. He appreciated that we would rarely have this luxury, but suggested that if there was not room for long loops between all obstacles, they could be grouped so that two or three have short loops between them before putting in a longer loop to another group etc. His theme was “don’t build too narrow” - although after watching the video later it seemed that Arjan’s “not too narrow” was certainly a bit on the tight side for some competitors. He also constructed chicanes on the approach to obstacles the stop competitors galloping in and out. Before tea Barry Capstick brought his team into the indoor arena and drove the two obstacles constructed earlier so that the degree of difficulty could be observed. He gave us a spectacular display and proved that both designs were driveable. Thank you Barry. Sunday morning began with a critique of Saturday’s obstacles, before we again split, with one group staying in the lecture room and the others designing and building cone courses in the indoor arena. Again the plans were decreed to be rubbish! Our excuse was lack of time and facilities! Half way through the morning we changed over. In each session, the indoor group discussed cone courses, with Arjan explaining some of the tricks he employs to break up the pace, and ways of altering the shapes so that circles become ovals and the side of the arena is used to break the symmetry of a turn. He said that he was concerned that the speeds for cone classes were set by the International Rules, with no discretion for the officials at an event to reflect the conditions of ground and weather or even the competence of the competitors. This has led to TDs and Presidents of Juries “fudging” the measured distance to alter the speed required. He felt this was to be discouraged and is pressing for a change in the rules. He said that the cones course distance must be a consensus decision of the Course Builder, Technical Delegate and President of the Jury after they had each independently measured the track. He was also concerned that judges were missing faults in the cone arenas and suggested that there should always be at least one judge standing in the arena and not cosily ensconced in the Judge’s Box with the others! This completed the Course Builder’s Clinic and Arjan was thanked for a most interesting and informative two days. After lunch Brian Perry took over to expand on Health and Safety aspects. One of the major factors coming out of this discussion was that in the event of problems, the Courts will look much more favourably on officials who have attended training sessions, and it was suggested that all clubs should be advised to ensure that their officials had had some training. The perennial problem of barriers was thoroughly aired, the consensus being that it is up to the officials at individual events to assess the risks at their venue, and decide what form of barrier is most suitable for them in the light of that assessment. The Risk Assessment must be prepared very much with the specific site and event in mind. More than 30 delegates participated during the weekend and all must have travelled home better informed. National Event Organisers Seminar There was an excellent attendance at this year’s Event Organisers Seminar held at Weston under Wetherley near Leamington Spa, and chaired by Robert Benson from Lowther. After going through some
administrative details relating to entries, fees,
withdrawals and paperwork, organisers were asked to
consider whether they would be prepared to run a CAI-B
event in 2003. The new steward accreditation scheme was discussed and organisers were asked to encourage their stewards to attend the training clinics being held in various parts of the country. It was proposed that each obstacle should have at least one accredited steward in their team. The subject of health and safety provoked discussion as usual, and organisers were informed that the BHDTA intended to circulate accident book pages to events to enable centralised records to be kept. Whilst it was agreed that entertainment should be provided at events in the evening, some organisers had encountered problems with over-exuberant revellers at the Saturday-night disco which often went on into the early hours. There was a suggestion that the bar should close at mid-night with the music stopping soon thereafter, but no consensus was reached and it was left to each event to decide on the closure time. There was some concern that a lack of supervision could result in under-age drinking. Although child protection could be an issue in a training environment, it was hoped that it would not be significant in connection with events, but the BHDTA’s Child Protection Officer, Janis Moore, was compiling information packs for organisers. Organisers were very supportive of a proposed initiative under discussion to encourage participation at national events by juniors, and it was suggested that these classes could be run under club rules to enable younger drivers to compete. At the conclusion of the meeting, organisers decided that they would prefer their annual meeting to be held at the end of the season rather than the beginning, and it was agreed that the next meeting would be following the Annual Conference at Cheltenham in October. Club Judges Clinic Wyton near Huntingdon “We do a much better dressage at home ………” is the comment often made by competitors on leaving the dressage arena. But although this excuse is commonly heard, a strange location is rarely a valid excuse for a poor performance according to Sarah Garnett who addressed nearly 40 drivers and grooms at a judging clinic organised by Lynne Day for the MDTG and surrounding clubs. Sarah says that most of the problems seen by the judges during the test will also be exhibited in the home environment. Whilst some of the audience were potential dressage judges, others, your reporter included, were there to pick up tips from the chair of the BHDTA judges committee on what she would be looking for when they were in the arena themselves. I, for one, had never thought what it would be like to judge dressage but came to the conclusion that it is probably as hard as doing the test itself – and we only drive it once rather than the 30 to 40 times that the judge has to see it. At my next competition I shall enter the arena with renewed respect for the face behind the windscreen. For the clinic, the audience were given boards numbered 1 to 10 (similar to those used in ice skating) to hold up at the end of each manoeuvre. They then had to suggest comments that could be written down on the test sheet. Tact and diplomacy seem to be a prerequisite if the judge is to leave the field in one piece. However the ribald comments coming from some sections of the audience were not encouraging signs for those of us that might be judged by them in the future. Four drivers had volunteered to brave our scrutiny and comments. Sue Squirrel, Dave Titmuss, Chrissie Nash and Rosemary Neale were roundly applauded for their efforts. National Judges by Philippa Thompson When is a Collected Trot not a Collected Trot? This was the main point of debate at this year’s judge’s Clinic held at the Unicorn Trust. A more proactive approach on the Saturday was taken this year with six tests performed by Georgina Frith (pony pair and team) and Anna Grayston (pony tandem). Judges paired up and alternated between judging and writing. The tests were recorded on video and played back on a large screen. They were then discussed and analysed by an experienced panel consisting of Diana Brownlie, George Bowman, Andrew Counsell and British Dressage Judge, Jane Goldsmith. This allowed for participants at the clinic to compare their marks and comments with those of the panel. Participants felt that this system worked well with some constructive comments and lively debate it. Jane Goldsmith remarked that British Dressage is now following the German system and that judges should be looking for: Regularity, Suppleness and Contact (without these you can not have impulsion) with Collection being one of the ultimate aims. Collection should not be just slowing the horse down but more as a way of containing the energy and creating more engagement. Jane felt that activity, rhythm, regularity and balance are the key to good dressage. Drivers should be allowed more time through the transitions in order to keep harmony and smoothness throughout the test. The quality and harmony of the paces and transitions should be a pre-requisite before accuracy. However accuracy should still be regarded as the “icing on the cake” when handing out the high marks! This theme was also carried through the following day when Karen Bassett (ridden horse and driven single) and Philip Owen (horse team) were asked to perform and drive FEI No 6 Advanced test. It was decided to amend the definition of the collected trot in the Rule Book and a replacement is being proposed. (See Important Competitor Information page 7). In future slow trots lacking energy and impulsion will be penalised! Much thanks and praise has to go to the panel of experts, and to Sarah Garnett, Tom Pettifer and Sydney Smith for the smooth running of the clinic and the brave volunteers who put themselves up as guinea pigs! I think all participants would agree that the video system worked well on the large screen, so a further thank you to Andrew Counsell for providing the equipment. Club Change of Name The Northern Ireland Driving Club (Ponies) has changed its name to the Northern Ireland Branch - British Driving Society. Mrs Margaret Carlisle continues as the Honorary Secretary. Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association A t the Annual Prize Giving of the Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association in January, special mention was made of the outstanding success of the Irish Team who competed in the 2002 World Single Horse Championships in France.Team members Edwin Bryson, Sara Clinghan and Sarah Mullins with their respective grooms, Lewis Black, Lesley Mulholland and Duncan Geoghan finished a very creditable 6th place in this prestigious event. Even more noteworthy was the individual sixth place achieved by well-known equestrian Edwin Bryson who was placed fourth in the cones phase; Sara Clinghan gained a commendable second place in the Presentation element. NI carriage driving is justifiably proud of its international ambassadors who very ably demonstrated how teamwork, good preparation and excellent training can achieve outstanding success in a world class event. In her speech at the well-attended Prize Ceremony, NICDA Chairman Anne Lyons referred to the events organised during the year and expressed thanks to the landowners, event organisers and the volunteers and helpers without whom the sport of carriage driving in Northern Ireland could not survive. Apart from the presentations to the individual class winners, special awards were also presented to Edwin Bryson as Sports Personality of 2002, to Eva Ewart for the Endeavour Award and to Gareth McCombe as the Junior Whip. A special trophy was presented on behalf of the club to Mary Bryson from Lanarkshire who had provided training to the Irish team and was Team coach in the World Championships. Edwin completed a hat-trick of awards by also winning the Open points Championships and winning the Open Horse class. CHAIRMAN’S NOTEBOOK Springtime Clinics have been very well attended, with a positive and constructive response from all those taking part. Some issues, particularly at the Judges and Coursebuilders weekends, brought about lively and at times controversial discussion regarding the way forward, showing a keen interest and concern in the future of driving trials. The early season with drivers from four classes seeking team selection for the World Championships at Karlstetten and Jardy promises keen competition. Class representatives have met to co-ordinate their various fund-raising activities in the common interest and, in the absence of any outside source of funding, I would ask you all to give them your full support. In short time the Sponsored Drive at Windsor will be upon us followed by our opening National Event at Brighton, including the AGM and Members’ Open Meeting. I look forward to seeing you all. Training Update by Sydney Smith (Chairman, Training Committee) There was a time when driving events stopped after the National Championships and everyone either went into decline or tried to live like normal people till spring brought them out of hibernation. With today’s calendar, there is no “off” season. Everyone is either chasing Indoor Events, training next year’s turnout or in some way trying to improve their skills. Every Club now has a training programme and the Official BHDTA Clinics try to cover every aspect of running the Sport including training for the Judges, Coursebuilders, Technical Delegates and Scorers. This year there are five regional training days for Stewards organised across the country and three special clinics for our Young Drivers, in addition to clinics for Novices, Grooms and Backsteppers. Thanks to the efforts of so many volunteers we are able to organise these clinics for the betterment of the sport. As the Sport grows and becomes ever more technical, we have to be aware and grow with it. As a result, next year we will be including a specialised clinic for Cones design. Besides this comprehensive programme, the Council agreed to make more money available for training at grass roots level, offering the Clubs the opportunity to work closer together on a more regional basis in the hope of best using their time and resources. To date three of the major Clubs have put forward training proposals that have been accepted for grants for this purpose. Royal Windsor Horse Show The International Driving Grand Prix for Horse Teams at Royal Windsor will be a CAI-A and not a CAIO as shown in the year book. However, the Organising Committee have applied to the FEI for the class to be given the status of CAIO and a World Cup qualifier in 2004 and are awaiting a response. Combined Pony World Championships Congratulations to Great Britain’s Philip Bateman and Diana Brownlie who have been appointed as the Technical Delegate and a Judge respectively. Judges List Congratulations to Ann Varley and Caroline Musker who have been added to the list of Presidents of the Jury. Mrs Gaye Russell has notified the BHDTA that she wishes to stand down from the Judges’ Panel. Many thanks to former Pony Pairs National Champion Gaye for all she has done for the sport . Scoreboard Trailer Until now Philip Bateman has very nobly towed the trailer between events. He has finally decided that he can no longer continue to do this, and event organisers will in future have to arrange to collect the trailer from the previous event. Sincere thanks to Philip for undertaking this job for so long. Stewards’ Training Days
*A Club event will be taking place at Eglinton on the following day, and any stewards wanting to stay and help for the marathon on Sunday and get some practice would be most welcome. IMPORTANT COMPETITOR INFORMATION Rules Reminders/Clarifications CONES Competitors are reminded that hoops are no longer allowed for cones at National events. This applies to all classes including Novices. The minimum track widths for cones for National events are: Following the adoption of FEI standard track widths for British events, the BHDTA has purchased a set of continental cones for use at National events. At some events the old design of cone will continue to be used, although these will be positioned the opposite way round from previous years to expose the rounded sloping side. The effect will be the same as with the continental cone. Groom Handling the Reins There was previously a discrepancy within the rule book about the penalty in the case of the groom handling the reins. The FEI have now confirmed that 20 penalties should be awarded, and Article 965 has been amended accordingly. This amendment has been adopted by the BHDTA for National events with immediate effect. Passing through Start/Finish on Course Once a competitor has gone through the start gates to commence their cones round, the start/finish gate is free and can be used to drive between gates. Similarly, a competitor is free to drive across the line of a slalom/zig-zag during his round. Free replacement pages for the BHDTA rule book incorporating all the new rule changes are available from the BHDTA Office on receipt of a self-addressed A5 envelope stamped with 41p. Dressage Judging At this year’s Judges’ Clinic (see report on page 4) there was a lengthy discussion about correct paces, particularly Collected Trot. British Dressage judge, Jane Goldsmith, laid out very clearly the desired training progression towards collection:
Without achieving the first five or these qualities, a horse cannot attain collection. It was agreed that the definition of Collected Trot contained in the FEI and BHDTA rule book is no longer in accordance with current judging principles, particularly as the original definition suggests that the pace is slower than Working Trot. Competitors should be aware that both the ridden and driven Dressage worlds are looking for a more forward-going collection where the length of stride can be similar to that for Working Trot. However, the horse must show more engagement behind without losing rhythm, regularity and balance. World Championships Reminders Please do remember that a declaration form has to be completed BEFORE taking part in selection events if you wish to be considered for team selection. Horse Pairs Selection Events Brighton, Newnham Park, Farleigh and Sandringham (best three scores to count). Combined Pony Selection Events Brighton, Hopetoun, Newnham Park and Sandringham (best three scores to count). Unfortunately this newsletter has had to go to print before Council meet on 27th March to finalise the Chef d’Equipe for this Championship. Details will be available from the office following this meeting. Horse Registrations The BHDTA will be introducing a system for the checking of horse and pony registrations at events to ensure that all equines are registered and vaccinated in accordance with the rules. Bellcrown Scotia Cup A reminder to competitors about the Bellcrown Scotia Cup, sponsored by Bellcrown Carriages, to be awarded for the highest points based on results from the two Scottish events at Hopetoun and Castle Kennedy. There is a prize fund of £500 with £250 to the winner. For more information log on to www.scda.co.uk BHDTA’s Child Protection Officer Relatively few driving people will know Janis Moore (see photo, right) She has been coming to Horse Driving Trials for some ten years, and can usually be found working away behind the scenes, giving help wherever it is needed – whether brushing horses, back-stepping or stewarding. She has found that Driving Trials are the ideal antidote to her demanding job as the manager of a very busy Child Protection Team in County Durham. When she read in Carriage Horse that the BHDTA was
seeking advice on child protection procedures as a result
of the directive of Sport England, she felt that she was
ideally qualified, having been in Child Protection for 13
years, and volunteered to help with this. She had a few
misgivings about mixing work with pleasure, but felt
strongly that it is essential for the BHDTA that these
procedures are put in place. Janis assures us that the new procedures, which relate to both national and club level, are self-explanatory and concise. They will be ratified by the BHDTA Committee at their next meeting, and will then be available for circulation. Whilst Janis recognises that many people will remain concerned, she is anxious that, as a sporting body, we should continue as usual but be mindful if a child or young person makes an allegation. Janis is acutely conscious that this is an emotive issue and over the last few months she has become aware of how worried people are about these procedures. She has been questioned about many issues regarding training, touching children, making sure parents are "in sight" at all times etc. etc. Her advice is to carry on what you have been doing. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Janis on 01388 527545 or e-mail JanisMoore@aol.com Tish Roberts We have received the sad news of the death of Tish Roberts. Tish, who had lived in Ireland for the past three years, started his coursebuilding career at Cricket St Thomas some 20 years ago, and went on to become an international coursebuilder responsible for the course at Royal Windsor and other international events. Sue Vine We are delighted to report that Sue Vine is making excellent progress after surgery at the beginning of February, and is now back at her desk overseeing arrangements for Brighton HDT. ‘The No. 1 Challenge’ As a result of the success of last year’s South of England Carriage Driving Fair, Brockham Harness Club have organised the ‘No. 1 Challenge’. At every National HDT event this year, the club will present a limited edition driving cap and rugby shirt, specially commissioned for the Fair, to the fastest competitor through Obstacle 1 on the marathon – with a different class at each event. Full details will be available at each event, and on www.brockhamharnessclub.co.uk Boyd excels in World Cup Driving Events Boyd Exell has had a very successful first season on the FEI Indoor Driving World Cup circuit during recent weeks, having earned his place on the circuit with a successful 2002 summer campaign in FEI events. Driving Fred Pendlebury’s team of Welsh cobs, Boyd finished third to Mark Weusthof (Netherlands) and Germany’s Christoph Sandmann on his first outing at Mechelen (Belgium) in December. He finished in the same position behind the over all leader Michael Freund (Germany) in Bordeaux (France), but went one better at Vigo in Spain the following week. The top five drivers in the points qualify for the final at Gothenburg (Sweden) at the end of March. Freund had already won his place having been unbeaten in the four rounds he has contested, but the other four places rested on the results of the final qualifying competition at s’Hertogenbosch (Netherlands) in mid-March. Going in to this event, Boyd was lying in fourth place in the points league, but the positions were very close. Boyd drove a good clear in the warm up competition to finish in third place behind Tomas Eriksson. But, with the cones widened to 2 metres for the World Cup class, the pace really quickened, and Boyd drove a thrilling clear round to finish some ten seconds ahead of his nearest rival. The three highest placed drivers, Boyd, Mark Weusthof and Christoph Sandmann then had to drive again. Boyd’s dashing round had everyone on the edge of their seats, and despite two knock-downs, his exceptionally fast time was sufficient to give him victory. Thus Boyd moved up to second place in the over all standings, and is off to Gothenburg to contest the final which takes place after this publication goes to press. Good luck Boyd! See the BHDTA website for the results. South of England Carriage Driving Fair by Roland Clarke In glorious sunshine, the seventh South of England Carriage Driving Fair, organised by Brockham Harness Club, drew a record crowd to the Ardingly Showground in West Sussex on March 23rd. Newcomers, club drivers and a who’s who of driving came together from far afield for a blend of exciting displays and invaluable driving demonstrations. Highlights included the Silver Medal paralympic drivers with local RDA members, the Baileys Junior Challenge, two Gary Docking demos, an International Horse Team Challenge, and a unique Karen Bassett Masterclass with Open European Champion eventer Lucy Thompson. The pony drivers took the opportunity to launch their fund-raising in aid of the team to contest the World Championships in Austria later in the summer. Event sponsors, Baileys, Bellcrown Carriages, Blue Chip and Carriagehouse Insurance were very pleased. As Martin Johnson of Bellcrown, said “if you haven’t got grassroots you haven’t got a sport.” Brockham Chairman, Nigel Dipple, said “It was a fantastic day and a great team effort. I’m just so proud of this club.” Bellcrown Carriage Winner The winner of the Bellcrown Arrow Mark IV carriage presented by Martin Johnson of Bellcrown Carriages in the Grand Draw was Angus Dunn from Shoreham-on-Sea. Mr Dunn is about to take up carriage driving, so he was a particularly appropriate winner. THE NEXT ISSUE OF CARRIAGE HORSE WILL BE PUBLISHED AT
THE END OF MAY 2003 All items to be sent to BHDTA Office or preferably e-mailed to: bhdta@horsedrivingtrials.co.uk This publication has an independent editorial policy and is intended as an open forum for BHDTA members. All letters and reports from members and clubs of the BHDTA are welcomed and will be published where possible, although some editing may be necessary if space is limited. Letters will have the right to reply in the same issue if considered appropriate. Anonymous, defamatory or objectionable letters will not published. Unless the contrary is shown, the views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the BHDTA or its Council. |
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